Deserted Durham - 16 pictures of a silent city as people heed the lockdown message

Scenes of crowds at the country’s beauty spots and beaches last week prompted the government to issue new guidance warning against any travel not deemed essential.

On the back of the three-week ‘lockdown’ announcement, bosses at Durham County Council appealed to potential visitors to ‘be sensible and to please stay away’ from the county.

Durham City’s historic centre would usually be heaving with shoppers, tourists and students on a Saturday afternoon.

But on the first weekend of lockdown, with most shops shuttered, bars and restaurants closed and the market cancelled, visitors were thin on the ground.

The few stores still open were quiet and without the queues hampering customers at larger supermarkets and retail parks.

The public have even been barred from the historic cathedral and castle, although the city’s riverside walks remained open for the few walkers who chose to take advantage.